On The Court With Drew Giudice
What are the biggest strengths you’ve identified in this year’s roster, and how do you plan to build around them?
We have some talented, experienced seniors who have played a lot of Varsity basketball. Chris Johnson was All-Region last year as a Junior. He’s a strong presence inside as a big man. Ryland McKelvy transfers from Centennial is a talented scorer. BJ Hall’s defensive intensity and dribble penetration are known. Those three will shoulder heavy minutes.
Which returning players have shown the most growth since last season, either on or off the court?
Brody Cooper is another Senior who figures to start a lot of games. Brings a lot of winning basketball, effort plays as a glue guy and versatile player. He is a good low post scorer and loves to defend and rebound. He had a great off-season and has been an ultimate program contributor. Excited for his role on the floor and maturity off of it to make a positive impact.
How would you describe the team’s chemistry so far, and what steps are you taking to strengthen it?
Team chemistry is growing as we go through some different experiences together. The older players are beginning to trust the Sophomores and Juniors more as they see them begin to have success in Varsity action. We spend a lot of time together and will travel to Gatlinburg for a tournament before Christmas. The boys always have a good time on out of town trips.
Who are some under-the-radar players we should keep an eye on this year, and what do they bring to the team?
We have a bunch of players who will be new to Varsity minutes. Isaiah Streufert is a Senior who brings athleticism and hustle to our full court press. Beckett Gray and Tucker Powers are Juniors who provide high basketball IQ and outside shooting. Jordan Terrell, Parker Bunt, and Luke Carroll are ballhandlers, playmakers who bring great vision and skill to the offensive end.
What are the main offensive and defensive philosophies you’re emphasizing with this group?
Offensively we will mix up our driving motion with some ballscreen patterns. Defensively we will almost always be in a full-court setting, both man and zone depending on the opponent.
What challenges do you anticipate facing in your district this season, and how is the team preparing for them?
Our District & Region is very good high school basketball. Everyone is talented, well coached, prepared, etc. It is a great environment for high school sports and demands our best in practice every day. If this team matures to love practice and preparing as much as the games, we will be in the mix to compete for both the District and Region title.
How are the younger players adapting to varsity-level competition, and what role do you expect them to play?
We have a cluster of Sophomores and Juniors mentioned above who bring a lot of offensive skill and ability to our team. We will need them to mature and continue to get better to be the best team we can be. So far each has had positive moments – but a very long way to go in terms of understanding how important practice is every day to be our best in late February and through March.
What goals—both performance-based and culture-based—have you set for the team this season?
We can accomplish any goals on the court in terms of winning X number of games or making the State Tournament if we buy-in to becoming a really good practice team. That is the most important thing for this group to be successful, is appreciating how valuable the preparation before the contest is. In terms of culture, we want to be a team Nolensville is proud of and enjoys watching. If a dad brings his son to the game, we want them to leave thinking we played hard, smart, and together.
